Passionate audiences pump up Lucha Libre's acrobatic wrestlers

Shane "Hurricane" Helms flies into the face of a masked opponent during a Lucha Libre event.

Shane "Hurricane" Helms flies into the face of a masked opponent during a Lucha Libre event.

Photo: Courtesy Photo

Photo: Courtesy Photo

Image
1of/1

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 1

Shane "Hurricane" Helms flies into the face of a masked opponent during a Lucha Libre event.

Shane "Hurricane" Helms flies into the face of a masked opponent during a Lucha Libre event.

Photo: Courtesy Photo

Passionate audiences pump up Lucha Libre's acrobatic wrestlers

1 / 1

Back to Gallery

Expect high drama and high-flying action when Lucha Libre USA's “Masked Warriors Live” arrives at the Alamodome on Friday.

It's a Mexican pro-wrestling world where everybody has a mask and a colorful, even controversial, story.

But it's not merely the masks that separate these glistening acrobatic professional wrestlers from their American-style counterparts.

“We spend as much time in the air as on the mat,” said star luchador Shane “Hurricane” Helms, who brings an American perspective to the spectacle. “The physical difference is the influence of aerodynamics. It takes a special kind of athlete.”

More Information

For example, according to the Los Angeles Times, one wrestler, RJ Brewer, taunts opponents and the crowds with anti-immigrant rhetoric while “taking potshots at the quality of Mexican beer.”

“Without a doubt,” said Helms. “That's the key element in what separates what we do with any form of sport or entertainment: It's the interaction with the crowd. No other sport has that. The energy is a key element. Generally, the crazier the crowd, the crazier we'll get. It's easy to get lost in the moment.”

While acknowledging that high drama, rivalries and plotlines are part of the entertainment, Lizmark Jr. says that the action is anything but fake. He has been a professional for nearly 20 years.

“We are dedicated (athletes). Mexican-style wrestling is very acrobatic. One needs to maintain a high level of conditioning to wrestle (like this) and do the popular moves,” he said.

Lizmark Jr. carries on the masked tradition of his legendary father, but with some differences. For one, he is the sport's most ruthless, polarizing heavy. Put it this way — he doesn't wear a white hat.

“When I started wrestling, my persona, my mask were a continuance of my father's legend,” he said. “But I added my personality, too.”

That meant modifying his wrestling look and using an open mask, as opposed to a full hood.

“It was important to carry on the mask and the Lizmark name, the tradition. At the same time, I didn't want people to think I was just copying him,” Lizmark Jr. said.

He added that he and his dad are on the same page about the image modification. “He's very happy about it,” Lizmark Jr. “He's happy that the name and mask live on.”

Helms, a 21-year wrestling veteran, says the event's “wow factor” is off the charts.

“Lucha Libre USA just impressed me as something different,” said Helms, a North Carolina native. “I think a lot of wrestling fans are looking for something different. Lucha Libre USA is the total package.”